Prestressed concrete refers to a type of construction of concrete structural elements that are permanently subjected to compressive stresses prior to being put into service. These stresses are achieved by means of steel cables that are tensioned and anchored to the concrete.
“The objective is to ensure that part of the tensile stresses produced by service loads result in a reduction of the compression already present in the material”.
The prestressing force can be transferred to the concrete in two ways:
- Pre-tensioned reinforcement (generally bars or wires), a method mainly used in precast elements.
- Post-tensioned reinforcement (generally strands or groups of cables), mainly used in cast-in-place concrete elements, using a formwork system.
Normally, when applying these techniques, high-strength concrete and steel are used due to the magnitude of the induced stresses.
The production process is as follows:
The bars or wires are tensioned longitudinally on the so-called “beds”, which are between 40 and 100 meters long, from both ends.
Subsequently, the concrete is poured, covering the steel reinforcement until it sets within the bed, which acts as a mold. The setting time of the concrete varies depending on the ambient temperature.
Once the concrete has set (between 24 and 72 hours later), the concrete is transversely cut using a cutting machine that moves along the beds on rails.
In summary, prestressed concrete is produced continuously and subsequently cut to the desired length, according to the requirements of the construction project for which it is intended.
At ADW, we offer three different grades of diamond blades to cover the various types of concrete, depending on the aggregates used and the level of reinforcement.
The common denominator in all cases is a high cutting capacity, which generates significant benefits such as:
- Lower effort: Reduction in energy consumption, vibrations, and noise during operation.
- Savings: Reduced repair and maintenance costs of the cutting machine.
Additionally, we offer these blades with a silent sandwich steel core, which significantly reduces noise during operation, improving the working environment.